Destinations / Himachal Pradesh
A small high-altitude lake with a floating island and a wooden pagoda temple above Mandi.
Lesser-knownLakeTrekMeadowPilgrimage
Prashar Lake sits at about 2,730 m in open meadows, with a three-tier wooden temple on its bank and wide views of the Dhauladhar range. It can be reached by road or by an easy 7 to 8 km trek from Baggi village, so it suits first-time trekkers, weekend travellers from Delhi or Chandigarh, and pilgrims. Facilities are very basic, so it is for people happy with simple rooms or tents.
Trip planner
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| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| April to June | The best season. Days are about 10 to 25 C and nights are cold. The road is open and the meadows are green. A three-day fair is held at the temple around the second week of June. |
| July to August | Peak monsoon. Heavy rain, slippery and muddy trails, leeches, and frequent weather alerts and road blockages in Mandi district. Best avoided. |
| September to November | Clear skies and good mountain views after the rains. It is cold at the lake by October. |
| December to March | Heavy snow. The lake partly or fully freezes and the road above Baggi is often blocked, so the trek is the only way up and the bus may not run. Night temperatures can fall to about -10 C. A guide is advised. |
An oval lake about 300 m around with clear water and a small round island of vegetation that slowly changes position. The lake is fenced and holy, so visitors walk around it and do not enter the water.
A three-tier pagoda-style wooden temple to the sage Prashar on the lake bank, built by Raja Ban Sen of Mandi around the 13th to 14th century. Local tradition says it was made from a single deodar tree.
The classic walk up from Baggi village, about 7 to 8 km one way with roughly 900 m of climbing through forest and clearings. It takes 4 to 5 hours up and 2 to 3 hours down, and the trail is not marked.
The grassy slopes around the lake bowl give wide views of the snow-covered Dhauladhar range. It is the usual place for sunrise, sunset and night-sky watching.
A smaller lake reached by a short trek from Prashar. It is a quiet half-day outing for those staying overnight.
A longer optional trek from the lake along a steep mountain ridge to a hilltop temple, known for its views. It needs a full day and a local guide.
Mandi has more than 80 old stone temples. The main ones are Panchvaktra, with a five-faced Shiva at the meeting of the Suketi and Beas rivers, Trilokinath and Bhootnath.
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Private operators run weekend group treks to Prashar Lake, mostly leaving Delhi on Friday night by bus and trekking up from the Panarsa side (near Mandi), with one night of camping. Operators list the trek as running all year, including in snow. Trips with transport from Delhi were listed at about Rs 5,600 to Rs 6,500 per person, and about Rs 2,500 if you join at Panarsa. No government-run (HPTDC) tour to the lake was found.
| Operator | Trip | From | Length | Price from | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek A Tribe Private operator | Group trek with bus transport | Delhi (also Chandigarh) | 3 days / 2 nights | ₹5,600 per person Per person, Delhi to Delhi, discounted price as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04 | Volvo bus from Delhi or Chandigarh and back, one night of camping, meals during the trek (1 dinner, 2 breakfasts, 1 packed lunch), trek guide, permits. Departs every Friday from Delhi. |
| Plan The Unplanned Private operator | Group trek with road transport | Delhi | 3 days / 2 nights | ₹6,500 per person Per person, Delhi to Delhi, triple sharing, as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04 | Return transport from Delhi in a non-AC vehicle, shared tents, meals from day 1 breakfast to day 2 breakfast, permits and entry fees, sleeping gear, first-aid kit. Leaves late on Friday evening. |
| Thrillophilia Private operator | Group trek with transport, sold through a booking platform | Delhi | 4 days / 3 nights | ₹5,850 per person Per person, from Delhi, discounted price as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04 | Transfers from Delhi to Panarsa and on to the trek start, dome tents on sharing basis, breakfast, lunch and dinner, guide, bonfire. |
| Deyor Private operator | Guided trek joined at Panarsa, with local shared cab | Panarsa (near Mandi) | 2 days / 1 night | ₹2,499 per person Per person, Panarsa to Panarsa, tent on twin or triple sharing, as listed on the operator's site on 2026-10-04 | Shared cab from Panarsa and back, tent stay and camping gear, four vegetarian meals, guide, cook and camp helpers. Travel from Delhi to Panarsa is not included but the page says it can be arranged separately. |
Checked online on 2026-10-04. A listing here is not a recommendation; we have no tie-up with these operators. Before you pay, check that the operator and its website are genuine, and confirm dates, price and what is included.
| Budget level | Type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Temple sarai (dormitory) or a basic dome tent, per person | ₹200 to ₹1,500 |
| Mid-range | Forest Rest House or PWD Rest House room, booked in advance | ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 |
| Luxury | Organised camp package with meals, for two people | ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 |
A few small dhabas and shops near the temple serve tea, snacks and simple rice plates. A meal costs about Rs 80 to 150 and tea Rs 30 to 50. Camps usually include meals. Many stalls close in winter, and there are a few more eating places at Kataula on the way.
Food at the lake is simple vegetarian fare. Alcohol is not allowed because the site is sacred.
| Budget level | Stay per room | Food per person | Local transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹500 | ₹300 | ₹107 per person |
| Mid-range | ₹1,200 | ₹450 | ₹2,200 per vehicle |
| Luxury | ₹4,500 | ₹600 | ₹3,300 per vehicle |
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No permit is needed for the road trip or the trek, and there is no entry fee. Carry a photo ID for rest house or camp check-in.
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